RICHARD and Jenny Bugg are to sponsor the Suffolk FA Football Futures programme for a third successive season.

The couple, who have provided financial backing through R Bugg Trading Ltd in each of the last two seasons, have agreed a further one-year deal.

The Football Futures programme supports the development of Young Leaders, aged 14-22, in the county.

Football Futures, which comes under the banner of the Suffolk Youth Council, provides guidance across the following areas of the game: Player, Referee, Coach, Manager, Scout, Secretary, Physio, Volunteer and Mentor.

Richard Bugg said: “We are pleased to support the Suffolk FA Football Futures project for another year because of the outstanding work they do with young people.”

Suffolk FA Youth Council Chairman Jourdan Kiwomya said: “The fact that Richard and Jenny are sponsoring us for a third season means so much to us as a Youth Council but also as individuals, in a day and age where opportunities for young people and adults to work in partnership are often token gestures, it fills us with great confidence to know that we have the trust and support of our sponsors.

“Their financial contribution will allow for us to continue aiding Young Leaders to enjoy the game, grow in confidence, be exposed to different environments and also continue opening their eyes to the fact that there are so many more opportunities in football other than just playing.”

Alex Shipp, who is marketing officer on the Suffolk FA Youth Council, recently attended the annual FA Leadership Academy at St George’s Park.

He was joined by two mentors from the county – Suffolk FA Youth Council Chairman Jourdan Kiwomya and Mel Stickland, who is Suffolk FA Referee Appointment Officer and Football Services Officer.

They all attended the four-day event which brings together the best Young Leaders from around the country and allows for the development of a support network for Youth Council and forums to discuss best practice and learn from one another.

Pictured above (left to right) are Suffolk FA Youth Council co-ordinator James Morley with Jenny Bugg, Jourdan Kiwomya, Richard Bugg and Alex Shipp.